Word to the Wise
Saturday, December 22, 2012 -
[1 Samuel 1:24-28 and Luke 1:46-56]God has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. [Luke]
The "Magnificat" of Mary in response to Elizabeth's greeting is a text that has attracted theologians, musicians and artists alike through the centuries! It's fundamental message is that God has accomplished and will accomplish the plan of salvation through the lives of lowly servants (and disciples) like Mary. (Or like Hannah, mother of Samuel, in the first scripture for today!) Scripture scholars point out that most of the lines of the canticle may be found in the Old Testament. Be that as it may, the artistry of the evangelist, Luke, is masterful in the way Mary's faith and joy are brought together to present her as one who believes that she has become an instrument of God's promises.
The profound meaning of all of this can easily escape us in this season of frantic shopping and office celebrations and preparations, both liturgical and domestic! I am recommending a simple exercise to help. If you have put up your nativity scene, take 15 seconds each day to look at it and realize the incredible gift it represents in the form of the Christ-child and of those disciples, Mary and Joseph, on our behalf. If at all possible, leave the nativity scene in place till at least the feast of the Epiphany so that the faith of the Magi can also inspire you. With a bit of "intentionality," we can all realize that we continue to preach the fulfillment of God's promises and "put skin on" the gospel message! AMEN
[Special note! December 22, 2012 is 796th anniversary of the official foundation of the Dominican Friars - the Order of Preachers.]